Grammar_minute_6th_grade (8)

Written by
Collene Dobelmann

Editors: Regina Hurh Kim/Janet Sweet
Cover Illustrator: Rick Grayson

Cover Designer: Rebekah O. Lewis
Art Director: Moonhee Pak

Project Director: Stacey Faulkner

© 2009 Creative Teaching Press Inc., Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Reproduction of activities in any manner for use in the classroom and not for commercial sale is permissible.

Reproduction of these materials for an entire school or for a school system is strictly prohibited.

Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
How to Use This Book . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Minute Journal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Scope and Sequence . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Grammar Minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Answer Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .108

2

Introduction

The main objective of Grammar Minutes Grade 6 is grammar proficiency,
attained by teaching students to apply grammar skills to answer questions
effortlessly and rapidly. The questions in this book provide students with
practice in the following key areas of sixth-grade grammar instruction:

● nouns and pronouns ● word usage
● verb forms and verb tenses ● synonyms, antonyms,
● adjectives and adverbs
● prepositional phrases and homophones
● contractions ● noun and pronoun agreement
● compound and complex ● subject and verb agreement
● prefixes and suffixes
sentences ● Greek and Latin roots
● appositives and clauses

Use this comprehensive resource to improve your students’ overall
grammar proficiency, which will promote greater self-confidence in their
grammar skills as well as provide the everyday practice necessary to
succeed in testing situations.

Grammar Minutes Grade 6 features 100 “Minutes.” Each Minute consists
of 10 questions for students to complete within a short time period. As
students are becoming familiar with the format of the Minutes, they may
need more time to complete each one. Once they are comfortable and
familiar with the format, give students a one- to two-minute period to
complete each Minute. The quick, timed format, combined with instant
feedback, makes this a challenging and motivational assignment that
offers students an ongoing opportunity to improve their own proficiency
in a manageable, nonthreatening way.

3 Introduction

How to Use This Book

Grammar Minutes Grade 6 is designed to generally progress through the skills
as they are introduced in the classroom in sixth grade. The Minutes can be
implemented in either numerical order, starting with Minute 1, or in any order
based on your students’ specific needs during the school year. The complexity
of the sentences and the tasks within each skill being covered gradually
increase so that the first Minute of a skill is generally easier than the second
Minute on the same skill. Review lessons are included throughout the book, as
well as in an application section at the end of the book.

Grammar Minutes Grade 6 can be used in a variety of ways. Use one Minute
a day as a warm-up activity, skill review, assessment, test prep, extra credit
assignment, or homework assignment. Keep in mind that students will get the
most benefit from each Minute if they receive immediate feedback.

If you use the Minute as a timed activity, begin by placing the paper facedown
on the students’ desks or displaying it as a transparency. Use a clock or kitchen
timer to measure one minute—or more if needed. As the Minutes become
more advanced, use your discretion on extending the time frame to several
minutes if needed. Encourage students to concentrate on completing each
question successfully and not to dwell on questions they cannot complete. At
the end of the allotted time, have the students stop working. Read the answers
from the answer key (pages 108–112) or display them on a transparency. Have
students correct their own work and record their scores on the Minute Journal
reproducible (page 6). Then have the class go over each question together
to discuss the answers. Spend more time on questions that were clearly
challenging for most of the class. Tell students that some skills that seemed
difficult for them will appear again on future Minutes and that they will have
another opportunity for success.

How to Use This Book 4

Teach students the following strategies for improving their scores, especially
if you time their work on each Minute:
● leave more challenging items for last
● come back to items they are unsure of after they have completed all

other items
● make educated guesses when they encounter items with which they

are unfamiliar
● ask questions if they are still unsure about anything

Students will ultimately learn to apply these strategies to other assignments
and testing situations.

The Minutes are designed to assess and improve grammar proficiency
and should not be included as part of a student’s overall language arts
grade. However, the Minutes provide an excellent opportunity to identify
which skills the class as a whole needs to practice or review. Use this
information to plan the content of future grammar lessons. For example,
if many students in the class have difficulty with a Minute on commas,
additional lessons in that area will be useful and valuable for the students’
future success.

While Minute scores will not be included in students’ formal grades, it is
important to recognize student improvements by offering individual or
class rewards and incentives for scores above a certain level on a daily
and/or weekly basis. Showing students recognition for their efforts
provides additional motivation to succeed.

5 How to Use This Book

Minute Journal

Name

Minute
Date
Score
Minute
Date
Score
Minute
Date
Score
Minute
Date
Score

1 26 51 76 Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press
2 27 52 77
3 28 53 78
4 29 54 79
5 30 55 80
6 31 56 81
7 32 57 82
8 33 58 83
9 34 59 84
10 35 60 85
11 36 61 86
12 37 62 87
13 38 63 88
14 39 64 89
15 40 65 90
16 41 66 91
17 42 67 92
18 43 68 93
19 44 69 94
20 45 70 95
21 46 71 96
22 47 72 97
23 48 73 98
24 49 74 99
25 50 75 100

Minute Journal 6

Scope and Sequence

MINUTE SKILL MINUTE SKILL

1 ..................Complete and Incomplete Sentences 49 ..................Dependent Clauses
2 ..................Types of Sentences 50 ..................Independent Clauses
3 ..................Simple and Complete Subjects 51 ..................Commas
52 ..................Compound Sentences
and Predicates 53 ..................Complex Sentences
4 ..................Common Nouns 54 ..................Compound-Complex Sentences
5 ..................Common and Proper Nouns 55 ..................Conjunctions Review
6 ..................Plural Nouns 56 ..................Compound Subjects and Compound
7 ..................More Plural Nouns
8 ..................Singular Possessive Nouns Predicates Review
9 ..................Plural Possessive Nouns 57 ..................Prepositions and Prepositional
10 ..................Subject and Object Pronouns
11 ..................Complete Sentences and Phrases Review
58 ..................Dependent and Independent
End Punctuation Review
12 ..................Common and Proper Nouns Review Clauses Review
13 ..................Singular and Plural Nouns Review 59 ..................Compound, Complex, and Compound-
14 ..................Possessive Nouns Review
15 ..................Subject and Object Pronouns Review Complex Sentences Review
16 ..................Action Verbs 60 ..................Appositives
17 ..................Linking Verbs 61 ..................More Uses for Commas
18 ..................Helping Verbs 62 ..................Quotation Marks
19 ..................Past, Present, and Future Tense Verbs 63 ..................Contractions
20 ..................Perfect Tense Verbs 64 ..................Abbreviations
21 ..................Irregular Verbs 65 ..................Semicolons
22 ..................Progressive Verbs 66 ..................Colons
23 ..................Transitive Verbs 67 ..................Word Usage: Sit or Set
24 ..................Intransitive Verbs 68 ..................Word Usage: Lie or Lay
25 ..................Subject and Verb Agreement 69 ..................Word Usage: Your or You’re
26 ..................Action Verbs Review 70 ..................Appositives Review
27 ..................Linking and Helping Verbs Review 71 ..................Commas and Quotations Review
28 ..................Verb Tenses Review 72 ..................Contractions and Abbreviations
29 ..................Verb Forms Review
30 ..................Subject and Verb Agreement Review Review
31 ..................Adjectives 73 ..................Colons and Semicolons Review
32 ..................Comparative and Superlative Adjectives 74 ..................Word Usage Review
33 ..................Irregular Comparative and 75 ..................Interjections
76 ..................Articles
Superlative Adjectives 77 ..................Prefixes
34 ..................Adverbs 78 ..................Suffixes
35 ..................More Adverbs 79 ..................More Prefixes
36 ..................Adverbs without -ly 80 ..................More Suffixes
37 ..................Synonyms 81 ..................Greek Root Words
38 ..................Antonyms 82 ..................Latin Root Words
39 ..................Homophones 83 ..................Spelling Patterns and Exceptions
40 ..................Adjectives Review 84 ..................More Spelling Patterns and Exceptions
41 ..................Comparative and Superlative 85 ..................Negatives
86 ..................Interjections and Articles Review
Adjectives Review 87 ..................Prefixes Review
42 ..................Adverbs Review 88 ..................Suffixes Review
43 ..................Synonyms and Antonyms Review 89 ..................Greek and Latin Root
44 ..................Homophones Review
45 ..................Conjunctions Words Review
46 ..................Compound Subjects 90 ..................Spelling Patterns and
47 ..................Compound Predicates
48 ..................Prepositions and Prepositional Phrases Exceptions Review
91 ..................Negatives Review
92–100......Apply Your Grammar Knowledge

7 Scope and Sequence

Minute 1 ____ Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press
____
Name ______________________________________________ ____
____
Write C if the sentence is complete or I if it is incomplete.
____
1. Michelle starts sixth grade at a new school on Friday. ____
2. Got to get school supplies. ____
3. Very nervous about the first day. ____
4. She hopes that she will make friends quickly. ____
5. Michelle’s cousin attends the same school, but they won’t
____
have any classes together.

6. Heard that the history and science classes are hard.
7. Michelle will join the choir as soon as she can.
8. She enjoys singing.
9. Only three more days of summer vacation!
10. Michelle’s cousin will show her around the school

before the first day.

Complete and Incomplete Sentences 8

Minute 2

Name ______________________________________________

Write the correct end punctuation (period, question mark, or exclamation
point) for each sentence. Then write the type of sentence it is on the line:
declarative, interrogative, imperative, or exclamatory.

(Hint: A declarative sentence is a statement. An interrogative sentence asks a question. An
imperative sentence makes a request or a command. The “you” does not appear in the sentence
but it is understood. An exclamatory sentence shows strong feeling.)

1. Timothy’s first day of school was not bad__ __________________

2. Have you ever been the new kid at school__ __________________

3. I dropped my lunch tray. What an __________________

embarrassing moment__

4. I slipped and fell, and my tray made __________________

a loud clatter__

5. Did you hurt yourself__ __________________

Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press 6. That is how I met my best friend__ __________________
__________________
7. She said everyone has moments they would

rather forget__

8. Sit next to me__ __________________

9. I am so ecstatic to finally have a friend__ __________________
10. Tell me your most embarrassing moment__ __________________

9 Types of Sentences

Minute 3 Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press

Name ______________________________________________

For Numbers 1–5, circle the simple subject of each sentence. Underline the
complete subject.

(Hint: The simple subject is the someone or something the sentence is about. The complete
subject includes all words related to whom or what the sentence is about.)

1. Our eager classroom teacher began the lesson.

2. The yellow marker did not show up on the overhead projector.

3. The algebra problem was really difficult to solve.

4. The students, including my best friend, have English class after Algebra.

5. Do you have gym today?

For Numbers 6–10, circle the simple predicate for each sentence. Underline the
complete predicate.

(Hint: The simple predicate is the action or linking verb without any other words that modify it
or describe the subject. The complete predicate includes all words that show what the complete
subject is or does.)

6. Ms. Linette asked Tyson to demonstrate how to solve the problem.

7. I solved the problem by working backwards.

8. My two classmates were the only ones to correctly answer the problem.

9. Several members of the class tried to work through the problem again.

10. Did anyone use a different method?

Simple and Complete Subjects and Predicates 10

Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press Minute 4

Name ______________________________________________
Circle the two common nouns in each sentence.

1. Dylan and Shelby bought a puppy yesterday from the pound.
2. They can’t think of a good name for their pet.
3. Shelby wanted to name the dog “Bubbles” and get its collar inscribed.
4. Dylan and Shelby got into an argument over their choices.
5. He thought of naming the puppy “Bear” because it looks like a bear.
6. Shelby did not want to get into a fight, but she disliked his suggestion.
7. Finally, their mother offered an alternative.
8. How about solving the problem by calling the hyper creature “Dash”?
9. “He does love to play chase,” the kids noted.
10. Dylan and Shelby called to their new friend, who came running with his tail

wagging.

11 Common Nouns

Minute 5

Name ______________________________________________

Circle the common noun(s) in each sentence. Underline any proper nouns
that are missing capitalization, and rewrite them correctly on the lines.
The number in parentheses tells how many total nouns you should circle
or rewrite in each sentence.

1. My dog remy has a shaggy coat. (3) __________________

2. I had to take Remy to see his groomer at __________________

furry friends grooming shop. (5)

3. He bathes Remy and brushes his fur. (1) __________________

4. Another worker, henry, clips Remy’s claws __________________

and cleans his ears. (4)

5. Remy likes to play with his friend trixie. (2) __________________

6. She wears a pink collar around her neck. (2) __________________

7. Henry rewards the dogs with treats for __________________

good behavior. (3)

8. The dogs lick Henry's hands and face __________________ Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press

enthusiastically. (3)

9. Then the canines are ready to go home. (2) __________________

10. If you have a pet, take it to the shop on __________________

highland boulevard. (4)

Common and Proper Nouns 12

Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press Minute 6

Name ______________________________________________

Circle the two plural nouns in each sentence.

1. Our cat had its babies on a bed of blankets yesterday.
2. Mom says our house has more pets than people.
3. She asked her coworkers and friends if any of them wanted a kitten.
4. Sandra said her twins have always wanted cats.
5. I found families for three more of the felines.
6. The kitten with orange and white patches, the gray kitten, and the white

kitten still need homes.

7. She likes to settle on her haunches and then pounce at your toes when

you least expect it!

8. Her favorite games are chasing my neighbor’s puppy and playing with

the leaves in the yard.

9. Luckily, my neighbors kept the orange and white kitten, and two women

took the last two.

10. If I had two wishes, I would get to keep a kitten, and mom would get

us dogs!

13 Plural Nouns

Minute 7

Name ______________________________________________

Write the plural form for each noun.

1. church _____________________

2. tree _____________________

3. country _____________________

4. bus _____________________

5. baby _____________________

6. deer _____________________

7. shelf _____________________

8. goose _____________________

9. belief _____________________

10. child _____________________ Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press

More Plural Nouns 14

Minute 8

Name ______________________________________________

Write the singular possessive form to replace the underlined phrase in each
sentence.

(Hint: A singular possessive noun shows ownership by one person or thing. Adding ’s to a noun
makes it possessive.)

1. The toy that belongs to the dog is under the couch. _________________

2. Please give me the bottle that belongs to the baby. _________________

3. Do you have the baseball that belongs to Trevor? _________________

4. The stinger of the bee is sharp! _________________

5. The tail of the puppy wagged and wagged. _________________

6. The wing of the bird is not broken. _________________

7. I like the car that belongs to your mother. _________________

8. The back tire of the bus was flat. _________________

Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press 9. The tracks of that deer led to the garden. _________________

10. Have you seen the new haircut of Mom? _________________

15 Singular Possessive Nouns

Minute 9

Name ______________________________________________

Write the plural possessive form to replace the underlined phrase in each
sentence.

(Hint: A plural possessive noun shows ownership by more than one person or thing. When a
plural noun ends in-s, adding an apostrophe [’] to the end makes it possessive. Example: The
room belonging to the sisters = sisters’ room.)

1. The uniforms that belong to the _____________________

cheerleaders are red and white.

2. The helmets that belong to the football _____________________

players keep them safe.

3. The horns that belong to the trumpeters _____________________

sound great.

4. Do you like the performances of the _____________________

marching bands?

5. I can hear the cheers of the people. _____________________

6. The coaches of the teams are fired up _____________________

about the game.

7. The uniforms of the mascots are hot _____________________ Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press

and itchy.

8. The concession stand sells cakes and pies _____________________

made by the football parents.

9. When it rains, it’s hard to see over the _____________________

umbrellas belonging to the fans.

10. The taunts of the rivals are all in good fun. _____________________

Plural Possessive Nouns 16

Minute 10

Name ______________________________________________

For Numbers 1–5, write the correct subject pronoun from the box to complete
each sentence. Not all pronouns will be used.

Yo u H e S h e I t We T h ey

1. __________ won't ever forget your homework if you put it in your

backpack right after finishing it.

2. Devin and Kendra are helpful tutors. _________ will always help their

students with their homework.

3. _________ is often late to turn in his homework.

4. _________ never waits to do her homework until the last minute.

5. _________ do our homework together after school.

For Numbers 6–10, write the correct object pronoun from the box to replace
the underlined word(s) in each sentence.

you him her it me us them

Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press 6. I bought new games, so I have to learn how to play the games. ________

7. We asked Mr. Mendoza to play a game with Elizabeth, ________

Brian, and me.

8. Mr. Mendoza turned to Megan and asked Megan to play, too. ________

9. Brian said, “I don’t know how to play. Will you teach Brian?” ________

10. Mr. Mendoza replied to Brian that he would be happy to ________

teach Brian.

17 Subject and Object Pronouns

Minute 11 Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press

Name ______________________________________________

Read each sentence. If the sentence is incomplete, write I. If the sentence is
complete, add the correct end punctuation mark.

1. Where would you like to spend your vacation__
2. Love going to Santa Barbara, California__
3. I have heard that the beaches are beautiful__
4. I can’t wait to learn to surf__
5. My brothers and I have before__
6. I bought goggles and snorkels__
7. Are you comfortable in the water__
8. Yes, I like to swim__
9. When do you want to__
10. Is it time to pack yet__

Complete Sentences and End Punctuation Review 18

Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press Minute 12

Name ______________________________________________

Underline the common noun(s) and circle any proper noun(s) in each
sentence. The number in parentheses tells how many total nouns you should
underline or circle.

1. Stephen visited Washington, D.C., last winter. (3)
2. He went with his grandfather and his cousin, Joseph. (3)
3. They visited the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial. (2)
4. Papa Joe wanted to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. (2)
5. They could see the dome of the United States Capitol from the National

Mall. (3)

6. Stephen attends Gallaudet University in the city. (3)
7. Stephen and Joseph chatted excitedly as they walked along Pennsylvania

Avenue. (3)

8. They took photos of the White House but did not see the president. (3)
9. Stephen had bought a small souvenir flag of the United States. (3)
10. Joseph bought postcards of the Oval Office and the USS Philadelphia. (4)

19 Common and Proper Nouns Review

Minute 13

Name ______________________________________________

Write the singular or plural form for each noun. Plural
Singular

1. person _____________________

2. cherry _____________________

3. ___________________ cacti

4. industry _____________________

5. ___________________ sheep

6. ___________________ scarves

7. woman _____________________

8. vertebra _____________________ Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press

9. ___________________ parentheses

10. calf _____________________

Singular and Plural Nouns Review 20

Minute 14

Name ______________________________________________

For Numbers 1–5, circle singular possessive or plural possessive to describe
the underlined words in each sentence.

1. The islanders’ boats were long, slender rowboats.

singular possessive plural possessive

2. That boat’s markings are different from the others.

singular possessive plural possessive

3. All the other boats’ paintings are similar.

singular possessive plural possessive

4. A man’s voice calls to the oarsmen.

singular possessive plural possessive

5. The oarsmen’s response comes back loud and strong.

singular possessive plural possessive

For Numbers 6–10, write the plural possessive form for each phrase.

Singular Possessive Plural Possessive

Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press 6. man’s oars ____________________________
7. island’s shore ____________________________
8. person’s net ____________________________
9. tribe’s custom ____________________________
10. wave’s crest ____________________________

21 Possessive Nouns Review

Minute 15

Name ______________________________________________

Write the correct pronoun from the box to replace the underlined noun in
each sentence.

she we they him us

1. It’s Dad’s birthday. Mom bought Dad a new watch. ______
2. Our car broke down. Will you take Keith and me to school? ______
3. Hannah makes her own jewelry. ______
4. Our neighbors left, but the neighbors are coming back soon. ______
5. My brothers and I are throwing a party for my mother. ______

Write the correct pronoun from the box to complete each sentence. Use each
pronoun only once.

you I it he them

6. Trey and Toni like sweets, so we brought __________ some cookies. Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press
7. __________ look like you have seen a ghost!
8. The gardeners who were searching for the rabbit finally noticed

__________ near the tree.

9. __________ brought him some of my homemade chicken soup.
10. __________ got in trouble for hitting his sister.

Subject and Object Pronouns Review 22

Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press Minute 16

Name ______________________________________________

Write your own action verbs to complete the paragraph. Use each verb only
once.
Victoria wants to _______ a pie for dessert. Victoria _______ a list of groceries

1. 2.

to buy. She throws the list in her purse and _______ to the store. She _______

3. 4.

tart apples and _______ the flour, cinnamon, and sugar. Victoria _______ her

5. 6.

items to the checkout stand. She _______ home immediately and _______ her

7. 8.

work space. She carefully measures the ingredients. She _______ the recipe closely.

9.

Victoria’s family _______ the pie with ice cream and savors every bite!

10.

1. ________________________ 6. ________________________
2. ________________________ 7. ________________________
3. ________________________ 8. ________________________
4. ________________________ 9. ________________________
5. ________________________ 10. ________________________

23 Action Verbs

Minute 17 Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press

Name ______________________________________________

Circle the linking verb in each sentence.

(Hint: A linking verb does not express action. It connects the subject to the rest of the
information about the subject.)

1. Abel was sick on Friday.
2. He became queasy after lunch.
3. Ms. Grey said, “Abel, you seem feverish.”
4. “I feel awful,” he whispered.
5. “I am sorry!” responded Ms. Grey.
6. She added, “You’ll be more comfortable in the nurse’s office.”
7. She and Abel’s classmates were helpful.
8. The nurse told Abel, “Your mother is concerned. She’ll pick you up soon.”
9. “You are kind,” said Abel.
10. “You’ll feel well by Monday,” said the nurse.

Linking Verbs 24

Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press Minute 18

Name ______________________________________________
Circle the helping verb in each sentence.

(Hint: A helping verb is used with another verb and expresses such things as person, number,
mood, or tense.)

1. I am reading Tuck Everlasting by Natalie Babbitt.
2. My friends are reading it with me.
3. We have enjoyed it so far.
4. The main character, Winnie, is trying to decide if she wants to live forever.
5. My friends wondered what they might do in her situation.
6. I was thinking about the same thing.
7. I will ask my teacher if she thinks it is a good idea.
8. I think I would choose to live forever.
9. My teacher does agree with me.
10. She has pondered the question, too.

25 Helping Verbs

Minute 19

Name ______________________________________________

Read each sentence and underline the verb or verb phrase. Then circle the
verb tense: past tense, present tense, or future tense.

1. I do different chores every day after school.

past tense present tense future tense

2. Yesterday I cleaned the rabbit’s cage.

past tense present tense future tense

3. I also helped Mom with dinner.

past tense present tense future tense

4. Rene will help with the cooking tonight.

past tense present tense future tense

5. She and Mom plan to make spaghetti and meatballs.

past tense present tense future tense

6. I will water the grass and potted plants.

past tense present tense future tense

7. I forgot to sweep the porch.

past tense present tense future tense Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press

8. I try to remember to take out the trash.

past tense present tense future tense

9. I will get my allowance on Friday if all my chores are done.

past tense present tense future tense

10. I save half of my allowance money for college.

past tense present tense future tense

Past, Present, and Future Tense Verbs 26

Minute 20

Name ______________________________________________

Read each sentence and underline the perfect-tense verb phrase. Then circle
the verb tense: past perfect, present perfect, or future perfect.

(Hint: Use the helping verb in each sentence to help you decide the tense.)

1. Mel had packed her suitcase.

past perfect present perfect future perfect

2. She had planned an exciting summer vacation.

past perfect present perfect future perfect

3. Mel will have canceled those plans by now.

past perfect present perfect future perfect

4. Mel’s friend has called to say he needs her help.

past perfect present perfect future perfect

5. Dan has broken his leg.

past perfect present perfect future perfect

For Numbers 6–10, complete the table with the correct form for each verb.

Past Perfect Present Perfect Future Perfect

Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press 6. had said _______________ _______________
7. ______________
8. ______________ _______________ will have regretted
9. ______________
10. had expressed has lounged _______________

has assured _______________

_______________ _______________

27 Perfect Tense Verbs

Minute 21

Name ______________________________________________

Write the correct form for each verb to complete the table.

(Hint: Irregular verbs do not end in –ed in the past or past participle tenses.)

Present Tense Past Tense Past Participle

1. eat _______________ eaten

2. ______________ bit bitten

3. forget forgot _______________

4. break _______________ broken

5. write wrote _______________

6. ______________ bled bled

7. undo _______________ undone

8. spread spread _______________ Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press

9. ______________ felt felt

10. give gave _______________

Irregular Verbs 28

Minute 22

Name ______________________________________________

For Numbers 1–5, read each sentence, and underline the progressive verb
phrase. Then circle the verb tense: past progressive, present progressive, or
future progressive.

(Hint: Use the helping verb in each sentence to help you decide the tense.)

1. We are expecting a large crowd for the family reunion.

past progressive present progressive future progressive

2. My cousins and their parents are staying at our house for a week.

past progressive present progressive future progressive

3. Mom and Aunt Anna were planning the itinerary.

past progressive present progressive future progressive

4. They will be entertaining many out-of-town guests.

past progressive present progressive future progressive

5. Dad was encouraging me to organize a talent show for the children.

past progressive present progressive future progressive

For Numbers 6–10, write the present progressive form to replace each
underlined verb phrase.

Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press 6. I was thinking that a play of our family history ________________

would be a better idea.

7. Cousin Greg will be helping me write and direct it. ________________

8. They will be creating the set and costumes. ________________

9. Dad was saying how this is a good idea. ________________

10. I will be looking forward to the festivities! ________________

29 Progressive Verbs

Minute 23

Name ______________________________________________ Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press

Read each sentence and underline the transitive verb. Then draw an arrow
from the transitive verb to its object.

(Hint: A transitive verb is an action verb that requires the use of a direct object to answer
whom? or what? Example: The judge sentenced the man to three years in prison.)

1. Tana loves her grandparents.

2. They know many things.

3. Grandpa collects coins.

4. He tells the history behind each one.

5. He also builds miniature sailboats.

6. On Sunday, he showed his latest masterpiece to Tana.

7. Grandma writes delightful poetry for children.

8. She sends her verses to all her children and grandchildren.

9. They enjoy reading them aloud to each other.

10. Tana memorizes her favorite rhymes.

Transitive Verbs 30

Minute 24

Name ______________________________________________

Read each sentence and underline the intransitive verb or verbs. If the
sentence contains a boldfaced word or phrase, circle the question it answers
about the verb: how, where, or when.

1. The hurricane winds blew loud and fast.

how where when

2. Hannah hid in the shower.

how where when

3. The trees creaked and moaned.

how where when

4. Windows rattled.

how where when

5. The rain fell constantly for five hours.

how where when

6. The storm finally died.

how where when

7. It ended around noon.

Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press how where when

8. Hannah went outside.

how where when

9. She stepped carefully over debris.

how where when

10. Hannah and her neighbors gathered on the sidewalk.

how where when

31 Intransitive Verbs

Minute 25 Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press

Name ______________________________________________

Circle the verb that correctly completes each sentence.

1. Tony (doesn’t/don’t) like chocolate cake.
2. However, our brothers and my mother (love/loves) it.
3. They always (order/orders) chocolate cake for dessert at restaurants.
4. Tony (ask/asks) for cheesecake with fruit.
5. He usually (do/does) not finish it, though.
6. Mama (eat/eats) the leftovers.
7. Dad, Lisa, and Mama (prefer/prefers) chocolate cake.
8. Mama says it isn’t good to eat until you (is/are) stuffed.
9. Dad does not listen, and he (do/does) it anyway.
10. Mama just (shake/shakes) her head.

Subject and Verb Agreement 32

Minute 26

Name ______________________________________________

Find all of the action verbs in the box. Write them on the lines below.

read travel be bye listen
poor am save gather breath
eat best breathe were
student recognize full funny
think dance

Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press 1. ________________________ 6. ________________________
2. ________________________ 7. ________________________
3. ________________________ 8. ________________________
4. ________________________ 9. ________________________
5. ________________________ 10. ________________________

33 Action Verbs Review

Minute 27

Name ______________________________________________

Read each sentence and underline the verbs or verb phrases. Then circle the
verb form for each sentence: helping or linking.

1. Chris became irritated with his disobedient dog.

helping linking

2. He was trying to teach it tricks.

helping linking

3. I was watching them. linking

helping

4. Boxer was unruly and hyper from the beginning.

helping linking

5. He was running away from Chris.

helping linking

6. Chris felt very frustrated.

helping linking

7. Boxer was more and more uncooperative.

helping linking Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press

8. Both Chris and Boxer were hoping for a break.

helping linking

9. Chris and I were relaxing on the porch.

helping linking

10. Boxer was finally calm.

helping linking

Linking and Helping Verbs Review 34

Minute 28

Name ______________________________________________

Write the correct verb or verb phrase to complete the table.

Present Past Present Future
Perfect Perfect Perfect

1. __________ had swum have swum will have swum

2. crawl __________ have crawled will have crawled

3. __________ had drunk have drunk will have drunk

4. break __________ have broken will have broken

5. grow had grown __________ will have grown

6. walk had walked have walked ____________

7. fall __________ have fallen will have fallen

Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press 8. hit had hit __________ will have hit

9. grab had grabbed have grabbed ____________

10. crush __________ have crushed will have crushed

35 Verb Tenses Review

Minute 29

Name ______________________________________________

Circle the verb form—transitive or intransitive—for each sentence below.

1. Tom joined the theater arts club. transitive intransitive

2. He acts quite well. transitive intransitive

3. Tom’s audition began shakily. transitive intransitive

4. He got the lead role in the school play. transitive intransitive

5. He memorized his lines in no time. transitive intransitive

6. He practiced each scene. transitive intransitive

7. They rehearsed every day. transitive intransitive

8. The theater teacher directed the rehearsals. transitive intransitive

9. Opening night went smoothly. transitive intransitive

10. The audience cheered wildly. transitive intransitive Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press

Verb Forms Review 36

Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press Minute 30

Name ______________________________________________

Write the correct verb form to complete each sentence.

1. Tina and her sister ____________ late on Saturday mornings.

sleep sleeps

2. Her mother doesn’t even ____________ to wake them up.

try tries

3. When Tina finally ____________ up, she is grouchy.

get gets

4. She ____________ not a morning person.

is are

5. Tina and her mother ____________ breakfast quietly.

eat eats

6. Tina ____________ more cheerful and awake.

feel feels

7. After breakfast, they ____________ their day.

plan plans

8. Tina ____________ an idea.

have has

9. Tina and her sister ____________ to go to the amusement park.

want wants

10. They ____________ going to have a great time.

is are

37 Subject and Verb Agreement Review

Minute 31 Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press

Name ______________________________________________
Circle each adjective. Then draw an arrow from the adjective to the noun it
describes. The number in parentheses at the end of the sentence tells how
many examples you will find.

1. We took a trip to the spectacular zoo in San Diego. (1)
2. The sunny weather made for a beautiful day. (2)
3. The first animals we visited were the scaly reptiles. (2)
4. Then we saw giant elephants. (1)
5. Did you know that elephants are hairy? (1)
6. We walked into a warm hut filled with tropical plants. (2)
7. The hut housed loose hummingbirds. (1)
8. We watched the busy birds drink sugary nectar. (2)
9. The large cats are a favorite sight. (2)
10. I like to watch the playful cubs. (1)

Adjectives 38

Minute 32

Name ______________________________________________

Write the comparative and superlative form for each adjective.

(Hint: Remember that some comparative adjectives are made by adding –er, while others are
made by adding more in front of them. Some superlative adjectives are made by adding –est,
while others are made by adding most in front of them.)

Adjective Comparative Form Superlative Form

Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press Ex: bitter more bitter most bitter
________________ ________________
1. funny ________________ ________________
2. expensive ________________ ________________
3. long ________________ ________________
4. sick ________________ ________________
5. small ________________ ________________
6. quick ________________ ________________
7. exciting ________________ ________________
8. hot ________________ ________________
9. colorful ________________ ________________
10. pretty

39 Comparative and Superlative Adjectives

Minute 33

Name ______________________________________________

Write the comparative and superlative forms for each irregular adjective.

(Hint: A few adjectives are considered irregular because they are written as entirely different
words in the comparative and superlative forms.

Adjective Comparative Superlative

good 1. _________________ 2. _________________

bad 3. _________________ 4. _________________

far 5. _________________ 6. _________________

much 7. _________________ 8. _________________

little 9. _________________ 10. _________________

Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press

Irregular Comparative and Superlative Adjectives 40

Minute 34

Name ______________________________________________

Rewrite each adjective as an adverb. Then write the adverb and the verb it
modifies as a phrase.

(Hint: An adverb is a word that tells how, when, or where something happens.)

Adjective Adverb Verb Adverbial Phrase
Ex: proud proudly stood proudly stood

1. bold _____________ walked ___________________

2. calm _____________ spoke ___________________

3. excited _____________ shout ___________________

4. nervous _____________ wait ___________________

5. loud _____________ bark ___________________

6. easy _____________ pass ___________________

7. quick _____________ heals ___________________

Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press 8. complete _____________ finishes ___________________

9. busy _____________ prepares ___________________

10. brave _____________ jumps ___________________

41 Adverbs

Minute 35

Name ______________________________________________

Circle the adverb in each sentence. Then draw an arrow from the adverb to
the verb it modifies.

(Hint: An adverb is a word that tells how, when, or where something happens.)

1. Leah happily agreed to play tennis with her sister.

2. Andrea serves the ball fiercely.

3. The ball flies swiftly over the net.

4. Leah reacts speedily to meet the ball.

5. She soundly hits the ball with her racket.

6. Andrea barely misses the ball.

7. When it is Leah’s turn to serve, she swings wildly. Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press

8. Andrea returns the ball expertly.

9. The girls’ skills are closely matched.

10. Andrea and Leah will gladly return to the tennis court.

More Adverbs 42

Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press Minute 36

Name ______________________________________________
Circle the adverb in each sentence. Then draw an arrow from the adverb to
the verb it modifies.

(Hint: An adverb is a word that tells how, when, or where something happens.)

1. Norberto always coaches a junior league baseball team.
2. The players are young, but they work hard to please him.
3. Melanie catches every ball that comes near her.
4. Out of everyone, Edwin runs the fastest.
5. Tucker hits the ball the farthest.
6. Norberto shouted often during the last game.
7. He pointed and yelled, “Throw the ball there!”
8. The ball buzzed close to the ground, but Melanie caught it.
9. Norberto’s team won again.
10. “You have done well!” Norberto congratulated his players.

43 Adverbs without –ly

Minute 37

Name ______________________________________________

Draw a line from each word to its synonym.

1. damp imitate

2. avoid ignore

3. stop grasp

4. definite faithful

5. grab angry

6. copy challenge

7. loyal moist

8. furious discontinue

9. dare perplex Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press

10. baffle certain

Synonyms 44

Minute 38

Name ______________________________________________

Draw a line from each word to its antonym.

1. drenched busy

2. bright dead

3. seize dull

4. alive awake

5. complex simple

6. hefty smooth

7. seldom give

8. asleep dry

Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press 9. coarse often

10. idle light

45 Antonyms

Minute 39

Name ______________________________________________

Write a homophone for each word.

(Hint: Homophones sound the same but mean different things and are spelled differently.)

1. right ____________________

2. through ____________________

3. here ____________________

4. meet ____________________

5. seam ____________________

6. hair ____________________

7. bear ____________________

8. dear ____________________

9. steel ____________________ Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press

10. roll ____________________

Homophones 46

Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press Minute 40

Name ______________________________________________

For Numbers 1–3, circle the word that correctly completes each sentence.

1. An adjective modifies a (noun, verb).
2. A (comparative, superlative) adjective compares or contrasts two things.
3. A (comparative, superlative) adjective compares or contrasts three or

more things.

For Numbers 4–10, write the adjectives from the box that correctly complete
the paragraph. Use each adjective only once.

helpful better undefeated quick shaky advanced winning

Rose is a _______ soccer player than I am. She has _______ reflexes.

4. 5.

Unfortunately, at first my passing skills were _______. However, Rose is a _______

6. 7.

coach. I am a more _______ player since she has worked with me. I even scored

8.

the _______ goal at our last game. Our team is now _______ .

9. 10.

4. ________________________ 8. ________________________

5. ________________________ 9. ________________________

6. ________________________ 10. ________________________

7. ________________________

47 Adjectives Review

Minute 41

Name ______________________________________________

For Numbers 1–5, circle the correct comparative or superlative adjective to
complete each sentence.

1. Janelle is the (shorter/more shorter) of the two girls.
2. After two days of being sick, Matthew felt (worse/more bad) than ever.
3. Brian and Jason have curly hair, but Fred’s is the (curliest/most curliest).
4. She felt (more lonelier/lonelier) at night during her week at camp.
5. This stationery has (cuter/more cute) designs.

For Numbers 6–10, write the comparative and superlative forms of each
adjective.

Adjective Comparative Form Superlative Form Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press
____________________ ____________________
6. big ____________________ ____________________
7. little

8. much ____________________ ____________________
9. sleepy ____________________ ____________________

10. good ____________________ ____________________

Comparative and Superlative Adjectives Review 48

Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press Minute 42

Name ______________________________________________
Circle the adverb in each sentence. Then draw an arrow from the adverb to
the verb or verb phrase it modifies.

1. Ted and Mario always go camping in March.
2. It usually rains in April.
3. “Let’s pitch our tent here,” Ted said.
4. “No, let’s camp closer to the creek,” Mario answered.
5. They waited patiently for their dinner.
6. Mario deftly cleaned the fish.
7. Ted carefully lit a fire to cook them.
8. They ate happily and then went to sleep.
9. In the morning, they hiked up the mountain cautiously.
10. They leisurely admired the view from the top.

49 Adverbs Review

Minute 43

Name ______________________________________________

Read each pair of words. Write S if they are synonyms or A if they are
antonyms.

1. loyal, devoted _____

2. alive, dead _____

3. imitate, mimic _____

4. constantly, never _____

5. identical, unlike _____

6. complex, straightforward _____

7. avoid, ignore _____

8. halt, cease _____

9. humorous, comical _____

10. relaxed, tense _____ Grammar Minutes • Grade 6 © 2009 Creative Teaching Press

Synonyms and Antonyms Review 50